If you’ve only visited Gwangjang Market and called it a day, you’ve only met the polished version of Seoul . The real city breathes elsewhere. It breathes in side streets that don’t trend on Instagram, in markets without glossy signage, in places where English menus are rare and life runs on routine rather than performance. Most travel guides point you toward what is famous. But if you want an authentic Seoul experience, you have to step off the predictable path. Beyond the well known attractions lies a network of local markets in Seoul that reveal the city’s working pulse. These are not curated backdrops. They are living systems. Here are five markets that show you a different side of Seoul, the kind most tourists never see. 1. Majang Meat Market: Where Seoul’s Appetite Begins If you want to understand how seriously Koreans take food, start at Majang . This is Seoul’s largest meat market, and it does not soften its edges for visitors. The first thing you notice is the display. Whol...